"Look, us political pundits shouldn't tangle ourselves up in knots by searching for the root cause of this problem. More damage is done by statements from political pundits," he told CNN in an interview when asked about his views on persistent discrimination and violence against women in India.
"Dignity of women is our collective responsibility. There should be no compromise in this matter. There should be no erosion in the law and order situation. We have to revive the family culture in which a woman is respected and considered equal, her dignity encouraged.
Asked how he relaxes and what he enjoys when he is not working, Modi said he is "not the not-working" type.
"I derive pleasure from my work. Work gives me relaxation too. Every moment I am thinking of something new: making a new plan, new ways to work. In the same way that a scientist draws pleasure from long hours in the laboratory, I draw pleasure in governance...," he said.
Modi also said in the interview, excerpts of which were released earlier, that Indian Muslims will live and die and they will not dance to the tunes of terror outfit Al Qaeda.
"My understanding is that they are doing injustice towards the Muslims of our country. If anyone thinks Indian Muslims will dance to their tune, they are delusional. Indian Muslims will live for India, they will die for India - they will not want anything bad for India," he said.